It is important to calculate all the expenses before re-designing any part the house. This article discusses the prices of granite countertops for kitchens or tables.
Granite is a hard igneous rock formed by cooled lava. Its granular structure makes it easy to cut or slice in various shapes. It looks very sleek and stylish when used for kitchen countertops, and the cost of maintaining it is very low too. It is also easy to clean and polish. Considering all this, it is no wonder that this stone has gained widespread popularity for use in countertops or for flooring.
There are many parameters that you would need to consider while selecting granite countertops. They come in different textures, colors, and shades, but one peculiar feature of this stone is that slabs from different quaries will look different too. It is very important to consider this while buying granite slabs, as you will end up with uneven textured countertops otherwise.
An Overview of Granite Countertops Price
Granite slabs can be quite expensive, depending on their colors and textures. But, they are a one-time investment, and as such, justified. Morever, they are easy to clean and maintain too; even a simple wash daily with soap water is sufficient to keep them shining.
Granite countertop prices lie between USD 70-180 per square foot. This, on most occasions, does not include the installation charges. Some hardware stores offer granite at discounted price, mostly in non-peak season, for as low as USD 35 per foot. This cost obviously does not include installation though. Most of the cost of these countetops is incurred due to stonework, transportation, finishing, and installation.
Most granite stores offer a complete installation package that includes transportation, cutting, polishing, and cementing. You can also go for a self-hired contractor for the installation, in which case, you will have to pay around USD 10-30 per square foot for the installation. For average-sized countertops, the cost of installing will range from USD 750-1500. The more renowned and experienced the contractor, higher will be the installation cost, but you can be assured about the workmanship.
There is another option, which is not very advisable though. In case you have the equipment, skill, and experience of cutting, polishing, and installing granite countertops, you can do this job yourself. The only advantage in doing so is that you can easily bring down the cost of installation to a range of USD 500-700.
Granite is grouped into three types, viz., A, B, and C. This grouping is on the basis of availability of the stone from which that specific type of granite is obtained. The ones that are found very rarely are placed in group A, whereas the ones in group B or C are more commonly found. Quite obviously, Type A granite is costlier than Type B and Type C.
Going for second-hand or reusable granite is another viable option. You can make slabs from granite scraps that can be found in any stone scrapyard. These can prove useful if you need to cover a small countertop.
These days, granite slabs are already cut into standard-sized tiles, reducing the installation costs drastically. There is no wonder then that people are opting for these tiles for their countertops. They are priced at about USD 5 per square foot, but the modular granite countertop prices are in the range of USD 25-40 per square foot. Countertops made up of high-end granite are available in large slabs. These slabs are fabricated off-site, so the transportation cost gets added to the overall price, which lies aroung USD 60.
This was an overview of the cost of granite countertops, and how they enhance the look and feel of a table surface. But before going in for a deal, always discuss it with a few traders and contractors, and take your decisions depending on the best deal that is being offered.
